“Taken all in all, his book is both readable and instructive. It may safely be commended to all whose enthusiasm for liberty needs a stimulant.”
+ + – Am. Hist. R. 11: 876. Jl. ’06. 950w. (Review of v. 1 and 2.)
“Had the writer been willing to use more care and restraint, he could have produced a better book, for he has zeal and industry, a wide range of interest and knowledge, ambition and ability.”
+ – Ath. 1906, 1: 538. My. 5. 1620w. (Review of v. 1. and 2.)
“It may be seriously questioned whether the usefulness if the work would not have been increased by the topical method of treatment rather than the chronological. Professor MacKinnon’s style in places is characterized by lucidity of statement, forcefulness of expression, and even by brilliancy; but too often the detail which mars his discussions is dry and prolix.” James Wilford Garner.
+ – Dial. 41: 31. Jl. 16, ’06. 1180w. (Review of v. 1 and 2.)
“Dr. Mackinnon has, we fear, somewhat fluctuating ideas as to the exact scope of his theme. It is the result of much careful study, especially in French historical literature, and it is marked by a sanity of judgment and a true love of freedom of which Dr. Mackinnon desires to be the historian.”
+ + – Lond. Times. 5: 215. Je. 15, ’06. 1490w. (Review of v. 1 and 2.)
“The author is on the whole judicious and scholarly without attaining real distinction. His book will not add to our sum of knowledge and will not open new avenues of thought.”
+ – Nation. 82: 457. My. 31, ’06. 570w. (Review of v. 1 and 2.)